Save those dollar bills for those cheap holiday thrills!
How do you keep on travelling without spending the coin?
Easy!
The more you go, the more you know. You simply become more travel savvy. The looser the plans, the more open you are to people, to new places and modes of transport and accommodation – the world is literally your oyster without the price of a rare pearl! Here I share with you my favourite travel websites that have inspired and led me to a longer stint on the road. Here is to new (and cheap) adventures ahead!
BlaBla Car
The world is becoming closer than ever before with the sharing economy spreading its wings in the travel sector. BlaBla Car allows you to carpool from one city to the next at a fraction of the cost. Type in where you are going, your travel dates and simply choose a driver to travel with. Sharing is caring after all.
GoEuro
I used this website every time I needed to bust out and hop to a new city! GoEuro is the ultimate website to compare how to get from point A to point B in Europe using different modes of transport (plane, bus, train and car including BlaBla Car). It not only compares prices but also includes the duration which is super helpful. Make sure you do check with other transport providers if you know that there are more available as GoEuro sometimes omits some companies. Great starting point!
Workaway
I must admit I am a Workaway virgin, however, I am now looking into this option for my future trips. Workaway allows you to volunteer in various posts around the world. From helping local communities, teaching children, working at organic farms to building kite surfing schools or hostels by the beach, it allows you to integrate within a small community in exchange for free accommodation and sometimes meals. I am currently sourcing my Workaway assignment to my next big trip – the Philippines!
Like a Local
Away with the mainstream, get a real authentic feel of a place by getting the best possible advice from a local. From things to do, places to see and where to eat, this website is created by locals in their respective cities sharing their great tips on how to really soak up their city without the tourist fanfare. After all, it is best to see a place through the eyes of a local!
SANDEMANS New Europe
Walking tours are a great way to get your bearings around a new city. There are many walking tour companies out there but the biggest one across the world is SANDEMANS New Europe. They advertise themselves as free but in all essence, they are a tour company operates on a tips basis; pay what you think the tour is worth. Tours generally run for 2 – 3 hours and most tour guides are really engaging and fun because, well they want higher tips of course!
TransferWise
TransferWise has kick started as revolution. No more does it have to cost a great amount of dough to send money to overseas account with exchange rates being far better than the ones banks offer. Plus, it is quick and easy and the money is usually sent or received within a few hours of making a transaction.
Skyscanner
An oldie but a goodie – Skyscanner is a great website to get an indicative price of an airfare across a range of dates with various airlines. Make sure you go to the actual airline website to verify the price of the airfare and terms and conditions of the cheapest fare you have found. This website is great for getting a rough idea of how much flights would be.
AirBnb
AirBnb is a great way to get a local feel of living in a different city by occupying a living space without the hefty price tag of a hotel room. Either rent a room or a house, apartment from a local and enjoy the benefits of it being cheaper and also getting local advice from your host. Great alternative way of experiencing a city without the usual hotel and hostel set up. Travel will never be the same again.